Low ceilings are a feature of many period properties or houses of unique style where character and charm are often huge selling factors. However, even when individuals feel they have found their dream home, living with a low ceiling, particularly in rooms designed for relaxation or dining, can create an uncomfortable or claustrophobic atmosphere.
Low ceiling – image courtesy of eg.bucknell.edu
The following ideas which focus on using home decor to its best advantage, will certainly add impact in terms of taking the emphasis away from the heaviness of a low ceiling:
– Paint the ceiling with white paint or a cool, pastel shade, which is lighter than the walls and which will reflect light. Bear in mind that low ceilings need to appear as smooth as possible and that high gloss paint will exaggerate defects
– Keep the ceiling as plain as possible by avoiding fans, hanging light fitments and decorative plaster work. Coving should be no deeper than 4-6 cm and, to draw attention away from the ceiling, painted in the same color as the walls.
– Paneling two-thirds of the walls and painting to match them in a discreet color, a shade deeper than the ceiling, will create a tier to the walls and automatically make the ceiling appear further away.
– Vertical stripes on a wall create an optical illusion of height. Try a striped fabric or paper to one wall, keeping stripes narrow and of a color to compliment the rest of the decor. Big, bold stripes will tend to draw a wall inwards, so unless your room is spacious, they are best avoided.
Old home, low ceiling – courtesy of contentinacottage.blogspot.com
– Use wall lights which distribute light evenly. Recessed lights are not a good idea on a low ceiling, as they have a shadowing effect and will not produce the lift to the ceiling that you want.
– Depending on room size, hang up one or two large mirrors. The reflective glass will create an illusion of space and make a ceiling appear higher.
– Focus attention downwards to the floor. Richly colored deep pile rugs will do this, or high gloss floor surfaces which reflect light. Glass panels inserted into a solid floor create a sense of depth.
– Avoid high backed furniture such as tall display cabinets and dressers. By freeing up wall space, you will make room for decorative wall art or self-adhesive wall stickers. These can give height and visual appeal, particularly if you opt for vertical images. Decals come in a wide range of colors, and numerous designs Furthermore, decals can be removed without leaving a mark, in a matter of minutes.
– Hang curtains as high as possible and to the floor. Choose light weight fabrics such as cotton or viscose rayon with a small random pattern in soft, pastel shades. These should blend with the walls with the soft tone taking the eye gradually upwards to create a sense of height. A similar effect can be found through the use of a few tall flowers or grasses placed in a simple, slim vase.
– Keep the room free from clutter and confine books and display items to vertical paneled shelving reaching to the ceiling and finished in white. This will create an area of fresh, visual appeal and also add height to your room.
The above ideas will all contribute positively in transforming a room with a low ceiling and enable you to achieve a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing living environment.